“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” [Quran, 30:21]

Congratulations on your decision to marry!

The noble religion of Islam encourages marriage and the forming of a family. Marriage is a provision by Almighty God to unite a man and a woman for purposes of procreation and satisfaction of our innate desires.

The following is some brief information about some of the conditions of marriage and the legal procedure for Marriage Application.

We do highly recommend any applicant make arrangements to meet with an authorized Islamic Counselor for pre-nuptial counselling.

Note: It is a legal requirement that you Must submit the NOIM at least 31 days prior to intended day of Marriage.

Conditions of Marriage

To get married in Australia, you must:

be over 18 years old

give one-month-and-one-day notice of your intent to marry

be marrying someone of the opposite sex

not already be married

be entering the marriage voluntarily

be able to supply original documents as requested by the Civil Marriage Celebrant such as birth certificates or passports, divorce certificates, death certificates

Mutual Agreement of Bride and Groom

Marriage (nikah) is a sacred religious and social contract between two willing individuals. It is a strong covenant, as has been expressed in the holy Quran [Surah al-Nisa`, 21]. It makes permissible what would be prohibited in other circumstances and maintains the nobility of descendents.

Both Parties mutually agree and enter into this contract. Both the bride and the groom have the liberty to define various terms and conditions of their liking and make them a part of this contract, binding the other to observe the agreed upon stipulated in the contract.

Consent

Mahr

Both Parties Must be:

Of Mental and Physical Maturity

Muslim

Age

Marriage in Australia can take place between a man and a woman, who are each at least eighteen years of age. Under certain circumstances a person may marry if they are under 18.

Application

Must be in the presence of a Registered Celebrant.

In the presence of at least two witnesses who are eighteen years of age or over.

Sufficient documentation provided to the celebrant for proof of birth.

Sufficient documentation provided for divorce or death of previous spouse.

Appropriate wording spoken by the Celebrant and the couple according to the Marriage Act.

A divorced person is not allowed to re-marry, unless his or her divorce from the previous marriage has been finalised. To do so would be bigamy. The second marriage would be void and penalties may be incurred.

Notice of Intended Marriage

A notification of the couple’s intention to marry must be provided to the Celebrant who will solemnise the marriage. This notice is given by lodging a form called the Notice of Intended Marriage with the celebrant.

Prior to a marriage taking place a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be given by the couple and received by the authorised celebrant solemnizing the marriage. That notice must be given not earlier than 18 months before the date of the marriage and not later than one month before the date of the marriage. In other words, the authorised celebrant must receive the NOIM at least one month, and no more than 18 months, before the wedding date (eg. for a marriage to be conducted on 18 August, the latest the Celebrant may receive the Notice is 17 July).

Information relating to the personal particulars of each party to the marriage, (plus information about their parents if available) is required on the Notice of Intended Marriage. This information is usually found on a Birth Certificate.

The celebrant is required to sight the Birth Certificate, *Divorce document/*Death Certificate [ if applicable] for both parties to the intended marriage. These details are required for the completion of the Notice of Intended Marriage form prior to the marriage.

Original Birth Certificate or Extract of Birth Record if born in Australia

Overseas passport if born overseas, Birth Certificate from country of origin. ( Translated if necessary)

Original proof of Divorce/Death of previous spouse.[ if applicable]

You may download a copy of the Notice of Intended Marriage [PDF format]: